Which of the following is a key element in ensuring successful maneuvers during an offensive?

The key element in ensuring successful maneuvers during an offensive is communication and reconnaissance. Effective communication is essential for coordinating forces, relaying orders, and ensuring that all units are aware of their objectives and the overall battle plan. It allows for seamless integration among different units and ensures timely updates, which is critical during dynamic operations.

Reconnaissance provides vital intelligence about the enemy's positions, movements, and terrain features. This information helps inform decision-making and facilitates planning maneuvers that exploit enemy weaknesses while minimizing risks. By combining clear communication with thorough reconnaissance, commanders can make informed decisions that enhance the chances of success in an offensive operation.

While surprise and deception, high ground advantage, and strong defensive patrols are also important aspects of military operations, they serve specific roles and are not universally critical for successful offensive maneuvers in the same way that communication and reconnaissance are.